School bags prize in student skills competition

Woodlands Meed in Chanctonbury Road joined a number of schools and colleges across Sussex, Surrey and Kent to put their practical, creative and technical skills to the test in the Jim Green Challenge, hosted at the South of England Showground in Ardingly.

Now in its 19th year, the competition, held in memory of a former chairman and founding council member of the South of England Agricultural Society, Jim Green, aims to encourage teamwork and build confidence.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the charity organisation, students made golden scarecrow sculptures, model farms, delicious brownies and woodland mobiles – along with spring flower beds and window boxes.

Woodlands Meed won the Identification category – where students were asked to identify items based on smell, touch and visual identification, and for the best window box.

Sarah Peay, one of the key organisers, said: “Many know what a special year in the life it is for The South of England Agricultural Society. One of the key areas of the society is education – for young people to learn all aspects of country life.

“Jim Green was one of the founder members of the society and this competition fits in so well with his ideas on education.

“The day was evidence that his vision is as strong as ever and everyone’s great work reflects the society’s aims of the past, present and future.”

More than 100 students took part in the challenge and were presented with certificates and dignitaries.

Sarah also thanked sponsors Sussex Masonic Charities who this year celebrate their 300th year and who generously doubled their sponsorship of the event, Mrs Carole Hayward, Mr Kevin Booth, who could not be there on the day but whose personal support was ‘vital’ to the Jim Green Challenge, The Golden Lion Children’s Trust, The Camelia Botnar Foundation who donated the plants, as well as the many volunteers for their contribution to a ‘very successful day’.

Many of the items made by the students will be on display at the forthcoming 50th anniversary South of England Show on June 8, 9, 10.

Woodlands Meed is a special school for 2-19 year old children and young people with a wide range of special needs.

Pupils aged 2-14 attend the school and those aged 14-19 attend the college.

For more information on the competition visit www.seas.org.uk.

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